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SIR RICHARD BRANSONâS NEW AUSTRALIAN AIRLINE

Richard Branson’s new Australian airline is gearing up for launch with special sale fares for Thailand travellers. Isn’t it “a-BHAT” time you went to Australia?

Friday 13 November 2009: V Australia, Virgin Blue Airlines Group’s boutique three class long haul airline has officially opened its doors for business in Thailand, with flights from THB 8,400 one way in International Economy Class and THB 34,999 one-way in International Business Class.

It comes hot on the heels of the launch this weekend of sister airline Pacific Blue’s brand new weekly flights from Phuket to Perth, which take off Saturday.

V Australia fares go on sale at 9am today via V Australia’s Thailand General Sales Agency “LTU Asia” for V Australia’s launch route of Phuket – Brisbane, with flights commencing 29 November 2010. Direct flights from Phuket to Melbourne will also go on sale, with the second route launching from 4 December 2009.

V Australia unveiled plans to commence services between Thailand and Australia in August this year, together with a pledge to bring fresh competition, super sale fares and a high quality, friendly service style to the people of Thailand.

To celebrate, V Australia is offering special fares in each of its three cabins, as follows:

To Brisbane and Melbourne - International Business Class - one-way - THB 34,999*

The fares are on sale from now until 13 December 2009 and flights are for travel between 29 November - 13 December 2009, 19 January - 31 March 2010, 20 April - 22 June 2010 and 20 July - 16 September 2010.

Domestic connections are also available from Brisbane and Melbourne to Sydney, Brisbane, Adelaide and numerous other Australian cities and towns, as well as across to New Zealand. The award winning Virgin Blue Airlines Group operates frequent services to 28 Australian destinations and 13 international destinations in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia.

Virgin Blue Airlines Group Chief Executive, Mr Brett Godfrey, said, “We are delighted to add Thailand to our growing network and we look forward to bringing new travel and business development opportunities, both for the tourism operators in the region as well as the many expats who travel home to Australia frequently.”

V Australia will be the only airline to operate direct flights from Phuket to Brisbane. It will initially operate services twice weekly, with a view to increasing the number of services subject to demand. It will also be the only airline to operate a weekly flight direct from Phuket to Melbourne, taking it to three weekly flights between Phuket and Australia.

Recently, V Australia’s in-flight entertainment system and Business Class product were voted best in their categories in two separate consumer driven awards surveys.

The airline operates brand new 777-300ER aircraft which feature 33 seats in Business Class, 40 International Club Seats in Premium Economy and 288 International Economy seats. All cabins offer the award winning personal seat back entertainment system featuring the latest on-demand in-flight entertainment including new release movies, TV, music, seat to seat “chat” and competition connectivity.

V Australia also offers two in-flight bars, mood lighting including twilight and sunset, bathrooms with piped music (including a ladies only bathroom) and some unique Australiana touches.

The V Australia flights will also compliment the Pacific Blue flights which are set to launch this Saturday with two weekly flights to Perth and connections to the East Coast to allow travellers flexibility and choice in terms of additional schedule choice.

V AUSTRALIA FLIGHT SCHEDULE

Nb: Flight schedules are subject to change

Phuket - Brisbane Schedule: EFFECTIVE 29 NOVEMBER 2009

FLIGHT NO

DEP

ARR

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

VA 24

6.50PM

6.15AM+1

Q

Q

Brisbane – Phuket Schedule: EFFECTIVE 29 NOVEMBER 2009

FLIGHT NO

DEP

ARR

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

VA 23

10.00AM

3.45PM

Q

Q

Phuket – Melbourne Schedule: EFFECTIVE 4 DECEMBER 2009

FLIGHT NO

DEP

ARR

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

VA 20

6.50PM

3.45PM

Q

Melbourne – Phuket Schedule: EFFECTIVE 4 DECEMBER 2009

FLIGHT NO

DEP

ARR

MON

TUE

WED

THU

FRI

SAT

SUN

VA 23

12.00PM

4.40PM

Q

*For travel between Melbourne and Phuket. Fares include taxes and surcharges. All fares are subject to availability, may vary until ticketed and are for one-way travel. Conditions and travel restrictions apply. Please visit our website www.vaustralia.com.au for terms and conditions of carriage. Seats are limited and may not be available on all flights or peak days. Tickets purchased through the Guest Contact Centre cost $50 AUD more. Connecting flights between Australian domestic ports are operated by Virgin Blue Airlines. Fares are correct as of 13 November 2009 and are subject to change. Please refer to the applicable fare rules located on our website for information regarding our refund policy and change/cancel fees. Refunds on or after the day of travel are not permitted and fare will be forfeited.

About V Australia and Virgin Blue: V Australia www.vaustralia.com.au is a three class boutique style airline offering the acclaimed service for which the Virgin Blue Group is renowned and a unique Australian style. The airline has two in-flight bars, mood lighting including twilight and sunset, bathrooms with piped music including a "ladies only" bathroom and other touches of Australiana from salt and pepper shakers to hidden wallpaper murals. V Australia is a part of the Virgin Blue Group of Airlines. The Australian-based airline group also includes Virgin Blue, second largest carrier in Australia www.virginblue.com.au and short haul international airlines Pacific Blue www.flypacificblue.com Polynesian Blue. Together they operate a fleet comprising of 81 modern Boeing 737-NG’s, Boeing 777 and Embraer E-Jet aircraft flying to 28 Australian and 13 international destinations in the South Pacific and Southeast Asia.